how long is saltwater good for

[jason604]

How long would it last without a powerhead? Also I mix my saltwater in a garbage bin is that ok?

[Kraken]

Depending on the garbage can. I would use the brute garbage can ( big grey one). Some cheaper ones leech out stuff you dont want in your tank. Those plasric rain barrels are okay too i hear.

[whatcaneyedo]

I had a bad experience once using saltwater that was made from Seachem Reef and RO/DI water that sat in a regular garbage can for a month before use. The garbage can had been used exclusively for water changes for many years prior and the water inside was circulated constantly. The tank belonged to someone that I was helping out and I had suggested that it was a good idea to always have some new saltwater readily available for emergencies. But when we used it for a water change he suffered a partial tank crash. Several coral and fish died but not everything. It could be that something leached into the water from the plastic of the can or from the atmosphere. The can was kept in a storage room with limited access so its unlikely that anyone dumped anything into it. Or perhaps it was something else that caused the deaths and the water change was merely a coincidence. I'm really not sure, but it has made me wary of leaving new saltwater to sit unused for more than a week or two.

[msjboy]

In the usa, one can buy premade saltwater....also instant ocean brand i believe. Wonder if it has a shelf life.